UAE's Flying Car Factory: A New Era?

Flying Car Factory May Open – Is This The Future of Transportation?

The future we once only dreamed about in sci-fi movies may become a reality in the United Arab Emirates. Aridge, formerly known as Xpeng Aeroht, a company developing flying cars, has announced that the production or assembly of its modular aerial vehicle system, the Land Aircraft Carrier, might begin in the UAE. The news is not just a technological milestone but also a reinforcement of the country's transport vision for the future.

Land Aircraft Carrier: One Vehicle, Two Dimensions

Aridge's latest development, the Land Aircraft Carrier, is not just a flying car but an entirely new mobility concept. The system is composed of two main parts: a six-wheel 'mothership' responsible for ground transportation and a two-seater, foldable eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aerial vehicle capable of flying.

This modular solution allows users to drive the vehicle anywhere in the country as a car, and with a simple press of a button, within four minutes, disconnect the aerial module and take off. The rotors automatically deploy or fold, and parking is managed with precision movement coordination to ensure the eVTOL and mothership fit perfectly together.

The aerial module can ascend to heights of up to 2,000 meters, but regulations for public use, like in China, limit the maximum altitude to 120 meters. Similar restrictions are expected in the UAE, as the company is already in contact with the local General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to create a safe and approved flight system.

Why the United Arab Emirates?

According to Aridge's leadership, three main factors influenced the choice of the UAE as the first location for the international introduction of flying cars. Firstly, the GCC region is renowned for its openness to adopting new technologies. Secondly, the country's diverse geographical features, including coastlines, deserts, and cities, offer numerous usage possibilities. Finally, there is a significant consumer base in the UAE keen on technological novelties, who, following electric vehicles, smartphones, and drones, now show interest in flying cars.

Following the demonstration flight of the flying car, over 600 pre-orders were received from the region, and the company expects this number to grow as people become more familiar with and accepting of the new technology. The Ali and Sons group was chosen as the local sale partner, well-acquainted with the local market needs and expectations.

Manufacturing Possibilities in the UAE

Aridge's financial director stated the company is seriously considering establishing a manufacturing or assembly facility in the UAE if local demand reaches a certain level. This would allow the product to be tailored to regional needs while improving logistics and maintenance support. It is also conceivable that the UAE will become the regional hub for this technology, from where vehicles could be shipped to other parts of the Middle East and North Africa.

This ambition aligns with the UAE's long-term innovation strategy, which aims to develop smart transportation solutions, including self-driving vehicles, flying taxis, and space technology.

Technical Details and Operation

The eVTOL module of the Land Aircraft Carrier weighs over 700 kilograms and can reach a maximum speed of 72 km/h. However, speed will be limited due to regulatory stipulations for local use. Battery charging takes place in the ground mothership, which also serves as a power source, ensuring the vehicle's complete autonomy.

Switching between ground and air modes takes less than four minutes, significantly easing daily use. Automated features like rotor opening and closing and precise fitting are all designed to make the use of flying cars not only spectacular but also practical and safe.

The Future is Closer Than We Think

Although prices have not been definitively set, interest is already tremendous. The first buyers are likely to be those who have previously led the way in adopting new technologies. Owners of drones, electric cars, or foldable phones can now be part of another milestone – flying cars.

Once again, the UAE proves capable of pioneering in future transport technologies. Hyperloop projects, self-driving buses, flying taxi testing, and smart city programs all show that this country is not just a recipient but an active shaper in global innovation.

The arrival of the Land Aircraft Carrier and the potential establishment of a manufacturing plant might open a new chapter in personal mobility history. Thus, the future is not a distant possibility but has already begun.

(Source of the article: Aridge company announcement.)